1. Materials and methods. RESULTS INTRODUCTION Conclusion Knowledge, expectations and self medication in the adult population in the Republic of Macedonia Bistra Angelovska, Elena Drakalska, Aleksandar Pavleski, Marija Atanasova, Vesna Kostic University “GoceDelcev”, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Krste Misirkov bb, POB 201, Stip, R. Macedonia, According to the obtained results, the main reason for self- medication is avoidance of the long waits at the physician office. The examined participants most often use OTC preparations for treatment of cold, pain, anxiety, reduced immunity etc. The comparison of the recommendations of the adult population for safe use of OTC drugs according to FDA, WHO and regulations in Macedonia showed that Macedonia fully follow the most relevant recommendations regarding safe self- medication. The obtained results from the performed survey questionnaire showed the followed data: -The main reason for self- medication and usage of OTC preparations is the recognition of symptoms according to 53% of the examined participants (Figure 1). -Most often used medicines for self-medication are medicines used for treating the symptoms of cold according to 38% of the examined participants, slightly increased temperature, headache and other types of pain (33%), low immunity (12%) and according to 17% of respondents medicines for treatment of anxiety (Figure 2). -The examined participants for self- medication most frequently use: paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen, caffetin (combination of acetaminophen 250mg, Propyphenazone 210mg, Codeine phosphate 10mg, Caffeine 50mg)and aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Self-medication i.e using of medications without doctor's prescription becomes a problem, most of all because the patients are not informed for the possible consequences from the willfully taking of medications, as interactions medicine – medicine and increased risk from the appearance of harmful effects from the medicines taken in doses bigger than usual wherein appears potential abuse of the medicines. Self-medication allows quick access to the medicines because of their permanent and wide availability on the market itself. The aim of this study is to present the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication according to the recommendations of relevant sources (WHO, FDA, MBD), European Union regulative, patients knowledge and expectations from self- medication and also presentation of mostly used medicines by adult population for self- medication. Self-medication i.e using of medications without doctor's prescription becomes a problem, most of all because the patients are not informed for the possible consequences from the willfully taking of medications, as interactions medicine – medicine and increased risk from the appearance of harmful effects from the medicines taken in doses bigger than usual wherein appears potential abuse of the medicines. Self-medication allows quick access to the medicines because of their permanent and wide availability on the market itself. The aim of this study is to present the advantages and disadvantages of self-medication according to the recommendations of relevant sources (WHO, FDA, MBD), European Union regulative, patients knowledge and expectations from self- medication and also presentation of mostly used medicines by adult population for self- medication. - Primary, secondary and tertiary literature - Guidelines and recommendations according to WHO, EMA and FDA - Data from Register of medicines of Republic of Macedonia Materials Methods -Review of recommendation according to WHO, EMA and FDA -Analysis of the List of medicines for self- medication and OTC preparations registered in Republic of Macedonia -Study about self- medication in adult population in Bitola and surrounding villages in the period from 03.08.2014 to 03.09.2014 by survey questionnaire of 60 individuals of different age groups of 20 to 69 years Figure 1. Reasons for self- medication and usage of OTC preparations Figure 2. Most common symptoms for usage of OTC preparations